Xbox360 or PS3? Plus HDTV questions.

[apocrypha]

Need some advice folks. Looking like my back problems are going to keep me incapacitated for at least a few more months and I cannot cope with the lack of gaming any longer, so I'm seriously considering a console, but I can't decide between a 360 or a PS3.

I've always been into games that have some depth and detail to them - I'm an MMORPGer at heart so I'm big on character development, customisation, big game worlds, complex inventories, etc. Fallout 3 is calling my name in a big way, clearly, but that's available on both platforms yeah, so that doesn't help the decision. I've never been a fan of beat'em'ups or driving games and platformers have to be pretty godammed spectacular to garner any interest for me. I can cope with good FPSs but I'm uncertain how I'd cope with a console controller - I did play Ghost Recon on the original XBox but the controls pissed me off too much to ever finish it. Diablo clones are always welcome as are 4X and RTSs (again if the controls work well).

Our current TV is an ancient beastie so this would also entail an upgrade to an HD telly, but I have no idea what I should be looking for in an HDTV for a console. 1080? 720? i? p? Etc. The built-in BluRay player is a big plus for the PS3 but the PS3 is also more expensive than the 360.

So, anyone have any advice on either front? I know I'm not going to get a WoW or an EVE on a console, I can live with that, but does either platform lend itself better to the kind of games I described above better than the other?

I'm not going to rush into a purchase, as much as anything because I suspect there's going to be some dramatic price cutting going on over the next few weeks, but I'd be very grateful for some input from the learned inhabitants here 

[Sky]

Risking the heat I'll get for this....get the hdtv and hook your pc up to it. Use a wireless keyboard and mouse, I put a thin large book on a firm pillow to mouse on. Been my pc setup for over five years now and I love it. Depending on how you're laid up, you might not be able to work the setup, though. Definitely should think about it, especially if you're (like me) not a big fan of the 'console' genres.

[apocrypha]

That is an interesting idea, for sure. One of my big problems though is that I cannot stay still for too long - I have to regularly move around, get up, do physio exercises etc, and I think that it would be a lot easier for me to do this with a controller in my hand rather than a keyboard, but that's only a tiny thought. May indeed give this a go, thanks for the suggestion.

Having said that, if I'm gonna spend £500+ on an HDTV then another £200 for a console ain't gonna hurt much more, so I would still be interested on people's feelings on the platform wars :)

[schild]

Just get a PS3, the 360s future titles are bleak and honestly, Heavy Rain and God of War 3 are system sellers. Sure, they're not right now - but you can play Fallout 3, Dead Space, etc. along with the exclusives like Uncharted, Little Big Planet, Metal Gear Solid 4, etc. Unless you really really fucking like Halo and XBLA games, there's just no reason to get a 360. Particularly with their failure rates and that godawful fucking gui.

[Yegolev]

This is my list of differences that I thought up just now.

The 360 has more games and more western-style ones, but it's a piece of shit.  Currently, however, most games seem to be cross-platform so this is much less of an issue.  Also the PS Store is catching up with XBLA.

The PS3 is a fantastic machine but lacks on the software (see previous point), however it plays a lot of PS2 games (plays all PS2 games if you have one of the originals) and all PS1 games upscaled to 1080p, and BluRay won the format war.  Upscaled PS1/2 games make my pants tight, but YMMV.  The PS3 is also quieter.

I don't have any multi-disc PS3 games, and I mean that in a good way.

The Playstation Store is nicer in some ways than the XBL Store, particularly how you don't have to go off and add points before buying something.  Hooray for impulse purchases!

The PS3 is closer to the start of its lifespan while the 360 is closer to the end.

The PS3 doesn't have advertisements on the XMB (dashboard).

You can use USB drives with the PS3, replace the internal hard disk very easily with any 2.5" one, and it probably still accepts SD, CF and Memory Stick.  However there isn't a transfer kit for swapping disks, so you'll have to rig up one of your disks into a USB enclosure for best result.  Or use a 4GB USB stick like I did.

I find streaming media from a PC with the 360 to be easier, but that was a while ago when I tried it.

You can DL PSP/PS1 games from the store and transfer them to your PSP.

PS3 has a wireless ethernet adapter in it, while the 360 one is optional... and US$99.

[Phire]

Heavy Rain and God of War 3 are system sellers.

Heavy Rain system seller.

 

Seriously? If LPB is not a system seller there is no way in HELL Heavy Rain will sell systems.

For the TV it depends on the size whether or not to go with 1080p. If you looking for something under 40" then you will not notice the difference from 1080p. If you going over 40" then 1080p is a must not only to get the bets picture quality now but you are future proofing yourself for the years to come.

LCD vs. Plasma depends largely on the lighting in the room, viewing angles, size, etc. For a bright room with seating at different angles I say go with LCD. For a dark room with a direct view of the TV you should go plasma. And with size the bigger you go the more drastic price increase with LCD where as larger plasmas can be had for a lot cheaper.

As for TV make for LCD stick to Samsung, Sony or Sharp and with Plasma go with Pioneer or Panasonic. Read reviews on Amazon.com or AVS forums before you purchase.

For your choice in system I would say go IGN, Gamespot, or Gamespy and look at the games that are available and what is coming out and make a list for each system of what interests you. Also with the 360 you have to realize for the future Microsoft has not announced any big new games so they definitely have a lot to reveal to us where as with Sony we pretty much know what is coming out for them.

The biggest thing I would say for you is to try out each system for 30 minutes either in a store or at a friends house and get a feel for the controller. You mentioned having difficulty playing Ghost Recon so this is key for enjoyment of the system. If you plan on playing a lot of shooters definitely avoid the Ps3 as you will find the controller cramped and loose in comparison to the near perfect 360 pad. For adventure and fighting games I prefer the Ps3 controller but again its a matter of preference.

But no matter what both systems are great, you really can't go wrong in choosing either.

[Phire]

The 360 has more games and more western-style ones, but it's a piece of shit.  Currently, however, most games seem to be cross-platform so this is much less of an issue.  Also the PS Store is catching up with XBLA.

System reliability is a non-issue if you are purchasing a new system in stores today.

The PS3 is a fantastic machine but lacks on the software (see previous point), however it plays a lot of PS2 games (plays all PS2 games if you have one of the originals) and all PS1 games upscaled to 1080p, and BluRay won the format war.  Upscaled PS1/2 games make my pants tight, but YMMV.  The PS3 is also quieter.

Again you need to stress that full backwards computability is only available on the earliest 20GB and 60GB models. These are pricey and would lack a warranty being a used system. Only the current 80GB supports backwards computability and that is the priciest system out there.

I don't have any multi-disc PS3 games, and I mean that in a good way.

Non-issue. I would rather swap a disc than wait 4-5 minutes for each act to load (MGS4)

The PS3 is closer to the start of its lifespan while the 360 is closer to the end.

One year is the difference between the beggeinning and end of a system life cycle? You do know the Ps2 came out a year before the original Xbox and had the longer life cycle? With sales of 360 game being the strongest of the next gen systems 3rd party companies will continue to support it until the next round of systems come out.

[Mrbloodworth]

Double posting and Sir brucing make baby Jesus cry.

[schild]

Heavy Rain and God of War 3 are system sellers.

Heavy Rain system seller.

 

Seriously? If LPB is not a system seller there is no way in HELL Heavy Rain will sell systems.

Hi new fish, I think, MAYBE, JUST POSSIBLY, I might know what type of stuff the readers here are interested in. Just a little. It's POSSIBLE that no one here cares about Heavy Rain, but I find it incredibly unlikely that anyone here with a PS3 will go without it and I know for a fact that some people bought systems here specifically for it and GoW3. Sure, LBG, but then again - That's Already Out.

That said, you must've confused my post with something that was meant to be addressing the masses.

tl;dr: Don't be a tool, stay in school.

[Velorath]

Just get a PS3, the 360s future titles are bleak

It just looks that way because Sony announced about 5 years worth of exclusives before they launched.

[Yegolev]

I'd like to think LBP is a system seller.  It should be because it's awesome.  Also, while I love Omikron to bits and I expect Heavy Rain to be awesome, I'm not expecting it to get any GOTY awards... but who knows?  I'll have to see who has the biggest ads at IGN and GameSpot.

System reliability is a non-issue if you are purchasing a new system in stores today.

I'd like to think so.  My Elite 360 has been awful-error-free so far but I still worry about it.  I don't like going to casinos, either.

Non-issue. I would rather swap a disc than wait 4-5 minutes for each act to load (MGS4)

I'll agree that this is in the realm of opinion but I'd not say it's a non-issue.  I'd rather not get up off my ass.  Related: I think cross-platform titles are probably not optimized for the PS3.

One year is the difference between the beggeinning and end of a system life cycle? You do know the Ps2 came out a year before the original Xbox and had the longer life cycle? With sales of 360 game being the strongest of the next gen systems 3rd party companies will continue to support it until the next round of systems come out.

Oh, I know all that, I'm just doomsaying on the 360.  I'm saying it has a truncated lifespan due to the hardware problems.  It's entered the plateau, in my opinion, where new games are not going to be notably more technically-advanced than current.  The PS3, I think, can get better software as time goes on and I can cite PS2 games compared from say 2002 and 2007 as a clear example.  Devs will make games for it (that don't require an internal hard drive) as long as it has a good install base.  Just look at the Wii!

[Rasix]

It's pretty much a toss up for me.  Both have their advantages.

The hardware is a straight win for the PS3.  It's quieter, it's sleeker, and it doesn't fill me with foreboding dread every time I turn it on.  It's got built in charging for the controllers. It's a BluRay player and a pretty decent upscaling DVD player. And like Yego mentioned, I didn't have to pay an extra hundred dollars for WiFi. Did I mention it doesn't sound like a jet engine when running? Controllers are mainly equal in my eyes, but the PS3 one works better with my thin, long fingers.

The form factor on each is pretty shitty.  The PS3 resembles a futuristic George Foreman grille, and Microsoft gave us (me) a black matte finished cinder block.  Makes me appreciate how compact my PS2 and Wii are.

As for exclusives I cared about:

360: Beautiful Katamari, Mass Effect, Fable 2, Dead Rising

PS3: Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted, Disgaea 3, Little Big Planet

The 360 has so far had first crack at the jRPGs and they've all sucked in their unique ways. I don't think we'll get a good one on either system until FFXIII or Persona jumps to the PS3. I do not care one lick about FPS titles on the console, but the 360 IMO has had better titles there. They both get a lot of titles I care about as a lot of stuff nowadays is multi-platform.  Surprisingly though, I've heard of more multi-platform issues (on a few specific titles) with the PS3. Since I own both, I can steer clear of this and have only owned my PS3 for a short time and thus only own exclusives for it.  

I see most of my future purchases going toward the PS3 in the immediate time frame.  LBP and Valkyria Chronicles are titles I plan on getting soon.  And Persona 4, which I hope   runs on my 80gig PS3 (otherwise I'm plugging in the PS2).

From the little you've offered, it seems like you might like MGS4, Disgaea 3 (not sure how you are with sRPGs, but the game is deep), Mass Effect and possibly Dead Rising although that has a lot of beat'em up aspects.  

I know I'm not helping much, but here's my short, short version.  PS3 has better hardware.  Exclusives are mainly a wash.  Immediate 360 library is a little deeper.  PS3 may end up having more of a future for me (I really don't know, don't care much since I have both. HAH!).

Edit: I'll admit, Sky's recommendation might work for you given what little you've said about what games you enjoy. It's just not a solution for some.  Two gaming stations for me works quite well when my wife is watching Gray's Anatomy or some Jane Austen flick.  Not here to espouse any one solution, do what works for you.

[Sky]

For the TV it depends on the size whether or not to go with 1080p. If you looking for something under 40" then you will not notice the difference from 1080p. If you going over 40" then 1080p is a must not only to get the bets picture quality now but you are future proofing yourself for the years to come.

LCD vs. Plasma depends largely on the lighting in the room, viewing angles, size, etc. For a bright room with seating at different angles I say go with LCD. For a dark room with a direct view of the TV you should go plasma.

Get 1080p. Also look at DLP, with an LED light engine. You also want a bigger tv than you think will look right. I wouldn't really consider much less than 50" unless you're on a real tight budget or live in some metro studio.

I might know what type of stuff the readers here are interested in.

Yeah, apoc wants a pc, hooked up to a nice hdtv :) And he can afford a better tv because he won't have to blow the money on a console + $60 games.  

PS: Eve looks amazing at 60"  

[BitWarrior]

I bought a PS3 after some serious thinking like yourself. A couple notes which became important to me when considering:

- Both systems offer forms of media streaming from your computer
- The PS3 does obviously support Bluray, which the XBox does not. Now, I do have a fantastically expensive and large Samsung LCD TV, but the difference in quality is honestly not shocking anyone. You'll notice it's "crisper", but if you don't point it out, its unlikely a guest would much of a difference to comment. That being said, any new movie I get is in Bluray if available, but it's not like putting in a DVD makes me cringe.
- The XBox exclusives I want to play does make me wish I had access to them. Halo 3, Fable II (which is supposedly fan-freaking-tastic), Gears of War 2, etc.
- The PS3 does not have as many compelling exclusives at the moment, and the ones it does have are "good" but not "great" compared to their XBox counterparts (ie: Resistance vs. GoW)
- Many of the "old" PS exclusives (GTA, Final Fantasy) are now being developed for both machines
- Sony does support their systems incredibly well, both in updates and in the long term. As it stands, new games are STILL coming out for the PS2. Microsoft dropped their support for the original XBox the second the 360 was out the door.
- I cannot comment on the updates done to the XBox, but the firmware updates done to the PS3 have done fairly significant things. From adding "socially nice" things like Folding@Home, to the DLNA client allowing you to stream any content to the system from your computer, to much more online support, a constantly evolving web browser, to new power saving features. They really seem committed to making this OS excellent, and it shows.
- The failure rate on the PS3, from what I understand, nearly non-existant, whereas the Xbox is quite the opposite. Although it might be true the "new" Xbox's fail less, I was still weary of the fact when I was making my purchase. Its still something to consider.
- The PS3 Store does have video to download if you're in the US (though luck for us Canadians, but that's how it is for most online media anyhow...), it's not an XBox exclusive feature. However the Netflix integration is certainly XBox exclusive. I believe in the end the content available for streaming for XBox users thanks for Netflix will be much larger than the offering made on the PS3.
- I don't think any of the games out there have truly tapped into all the power the PS3 offers. You'll notice that as the PS2 aged, the graphics seemed to only get better. With the Ico/SotC development team having something secret under wraps at the moment, I think we might be seeing a demonstration of what the PS3 can do fully tapped soon.

Regarding the TV, obviously go for a 1080p TV. If you're going to make an investment, make one that'll last, not one that you'll be wanting to replace in 2 years. Already more and more sources are moving to the 1080p format, including television.

That being said, just because a TV says 1080p doesn't mean its going to automatically look good. You'll want to definitely read reviews and find something which suits your quality expectations. Be wary of "unknown" brands; friends of mine bought some TV from some brand I had never heard of, and they had endless problems until the store they bought it from decided it would just be cheaper to replace it with an LG. I personally enjoy Samsung, but there are a lot of other very good LCD producers out there.

Do not get plasma. Don't even say the word plasma - employees will know you have no clue what the hell you're doing if that word is dropped. Equally, if an employee says the word plasma, request help from someone else.

TV's typically have shitty sound. Sound is important to some, including myself. You may or may not want to add that into the equation. Bluray does support up to 7.1, but honestly, few movies and games even support that these days, and its doubtful the average person could tell the difference between a 5.1 and 7.1 system.

Hope these were helpful!

[MisterNoisy]

Just wanted to add that since there's been a large number of PS3 configurations, some clarification re: PS3/2 backwards compatibility may be helpful:

The 'new' $399 80GB SKU does not feature any form of backwards compatibility with PS2 titles. The 60 and 20 GB launch units have the best BC (hardware), while the 'old' $499 80GB unit has software BC.  

There's a $499 160GB unit with Uncharted (great game!) packed in as well, but it also seems to lack PS2 compatibility.  Both current SKUs are basically the old 40GB unit with bigger HDDs installed and Dualshock controllers instead of the Sixaxis.

Short form:  PS2 backwards compatibility on PS3 is pretty much dead unless you buy an older system.

Like Rasix, I recommend buying both.   I'd start with the 360 if only because the back catalog is a good deal bigger, meaning lots of cheap fun can be had for very little $$$.

EDIT:  Mistaken identity.  Woops.

One more edit:  Sky's suggestion might do the trick for ya - buy the TV and if the PC doesn't suffice, pick up a console later.  Just add a 360 controller + PC dongle if you want a nice wireless gamepad.

[Rasix]

The 'new' $399 80GB SKU does not feature any form of backwards compatibility with PS2 titles. The 60 and 20 GB launch units have the best BC (hardware), while the 'old' $499 80GB unit has software BC.  

Heh, looks like I'm plugging the PS2 back in on Dec 9th then.     Two weeks off near Christmas to catass my way through Persona 4 then I can put it away again.

[Ard]

I see most of my future purchases going toward the PS3 in the immediate time frame.  LBP and Valkyria Chronicles are titles I plan on getting soon.  And Persona 4, which I hope  runs on my 80gig PS3 (otherwise I'm plugging in the PS2).

Not getting involved in the xbox <-> ps3 penis size wars here, but Persona 4 should run fine on the ps3.  I mostly played Persona 3 on it with no trouble.  It had one tiny issue where the game hung at one very specific point for like 30 seconds, and only on the 80 gig version of the ps3, as far as I know.

Edit:  this assumed you already owned a ps3 with backwards compatability.
Edit again:  And schild has already been playing persona 4, that son of a bitch, and probably was doing it on a ps3, so he should probably comment instead of me just speculating.

[Yegolev]

I will also toss out the idea that you don't want a plasma.  They are susceptible to burn while a LCD is not.  Beyond that, the best TV-choosing advice I can give is to look at it in person before you buy it.

[schild]

Edit again:  And schild has already been playing persona 4, that son of a bitch, and probably was doing it on a ps3, so he should probably comment instead of me just speculating.

It works on both launch 60GB units I have. But I wasn't fool enough to buy something without the hardware built in. 

[MisterNoisy]

The 'new' $399 80GB SKU does not feature any form of backwards compatibility with PS2 titles. The 60 and 20 GB launch units have the best BC (hardware), while the 'old' $499 80GB unit has software BC.  

Heh, looks like I'm plugging the PS2 back in on Dec 9th then.     Two weeks off near Christmas to catass my way through Persona 4 then I can put it away again.

Easiest way to distinguish between the 80GB SKUs with and without backwards compatibility is to check the USB ports - if your 80GB PS3 has 4 USB ports (older unit) you should be fine.  If not, it's time to drag out the old console.

Full guide to PS3 SKUs

[rattran]

I have both, with a nice 40" 1080p lcd. It also has my computer hooked up to it. I end up using the ps3 more than the other two when I want big-screen gaming. That said, I have the 20gb launch model. It's quiet, reliable, and has backward compatibility, and is easily upgradable if I ever run out of drive space.

I say go with the PS3. Pick up a couple blurays of movies you like and enjoy it. As for the HDTV, I like Samsung. They cheat to get their contrast level with a black boost, but I still find the blacks to be better than Sony with that turned off, and the tv properly tuned. So pick up AVIA2 and/or Digital Video Essentials for bluray. DVE comes with filters, I don't think AVIA2 does. Properly setting white levels, colour, etc makes a world of difference. HDTV out of the box tends to be somewhat poor.

[Phire]

Heavy Rain and God of War 3 are system sellers.

Heavy Rain system seller.

 

Seriously? If LPB is not a system seller there is no way in HELL Heavy Rain will sell systems.

Hi new fish, I think, MAYBE, JUST POSSIBLY, I might know what type of stuff the readers here are interested in. Just a little. It's POSSIBLE that no one here cares about Heavy Rain, but I find it incredibly unlikely that anyone here with a PS3 will go without it and I know for a fact that some people bought systems here specifically for it and GoW3. Sure, LBG, but then again - That's Already Out.

That said, you must've confused my post with something that was meant to be addressing the masses.

tl;dr: Don't be a tool, stay in school.

You think because you run a fairly small game web site that you can predict what is a system seller? Going by the hype on GAF (Probably one of the biggest gaming communities out there) LPB, Heavenely Sword and every other big Sony 1st party title would be massive system sellers but they have all fallen flat.

Heavenly Rain is not some new gameplay experience that is going to draw in millions of people.  Sure it has nice characters and animation and will most likely be a great one time play experience but it does not have the potential that a Halo or God of War title would for sales. Look at Omnikron and Indigo Prophecy both were great titles but failed to pull in big numbers. And look I am just going by the history of the company and if games on the PS3 while you are basing your opinion on the tiniest fraction of the gaming community.

And even if the 360 has reached its potential there will always be a developer to squeeze that extra bit out that will make their game stand out. Ps2 peaked about 3-4 years in and they are still making games for it. Just because a system has peaked does not mean everyone will suddenly drop it. Like the original Xbox proved having the best tech doesn't guarantee the best library of games.

[Azazel]

The PS3 is a fantastic machine but lacks on the software (see previous point), however it plays a lot of PS2 games (plays all PS2 games if you have one of the originals) and all PS1 games upscaled to 1080p, and BluRay won the format war.  Upscaled PS1/2 games make my pants tight, but YMMV. 

My understanding is that this ended about a year ago, and the current US 80gb model no longer has any shred of BC. Realistically, you'll be fucking lucky to find one of those on the shelf at this stage, so it's a non-point.


Basically, it's 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. Schild is a massive PS3 fanboi, so read what he says, but then consume a shaker of salt or two. This applies to any hardware discussion or advice he has, particularly anything to do with PS3 (massive fanboi) and Wii (irrational hate). I went with the 360 because they appeared to be getting their hardware problems under control a lot more at the time I bought it (a year ago) and introduced a 3-year RROD warranty. It also features BC for a huge number of titles without any bullshit. If BC with previous X-Box titles is a non-issue for you, then disregard.

Aside from a small collection of exclusives to either machine, you can go either way. The 360 though does seem to have a lot more older titles which are still good selling for cheap. Since I'm in Australia, I imagine the selection of same is much the same for you in the UK. I'm not a Halo fan at all, and I'm not even sure what the 360's exclusive content is besides Halo titles, God of War and the extra DLC for GTA4, but I'm happy enough with the cross-platform titles and large selection of games on the 360.

PS3 has like 2 and a half titles I'm interested in, and I'll get one one day, eventually, but not till the package is a better deal overall. If the PS3 offered Backwards compatability today, I'd have bought one by now. This argument reapplies itself every fortnight when I get paid.

[schild]

Phire, your reading skills suck ass.

[BitWarrior]

1. WTF is GAF?
2. Where are videos of Heavy Rain gameplay beyond the initial E3 tech demo I've seen

[schild]

1. WTF is GAF?

Pretty much the largest consortium of people that would be banned instantly at any forum that required a modicum of intellect as a requirement for being a continued member of a community. Also, lots of weaboos and trolls. Yes, I troll there when I've got the urge to pick on nerds.

2. Where are videos of Heavy Rain gameplay beyond the initial E3 tech demo I've seen

Eh? You're not gonna see many, Cage made the demo for nothing but E3 so that none of the story would be given away at all. Hopefully they'll release it on PSN eventually.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/284828.html <-- There's the gameplay one. I'm sure there's a high quality one somewhere.

[Velorath]

Need some advice folks. Looking like my back problems are going to keep me incapacitated for at least a few more months and I cannot cope with the lack of gaming any longer, so I'm seriously considering a console, but I can't decide between a 360 or a PS3.

I'd go with Sky's solution since you sound like more of a PC gamer.  Hook your PC up to your HDTV, and pick up Left 4 Dead.  You can always hook up an Xbox 360 controller to your PC too (although it would be awkward for something like WoW I think, it wouldn't be a problem for a lot of games) if it helps you get up and move around a bit.

[Venkman]

Need some advice folks. Looking like my back problems are going to keep me incapacitated for at least a few more months and I cannot cope with the lack of gaming any longer, so I'm seriously considering a console, but I can't decide between a 360 or a PS3.

I don't think you're going to really love either console over the long haul if you're a big MMORPGer. The occasional RPG is great and all, but they largely seem loaded into the end of the year these days.

I agree with Sky. If you know you're getting a new HDTV anyway, get that first and take a shot at what it feels like playing your current favored games from your PC to the TV. At least then we'll be past the holidays, there'll be more solid information on what's going to launch when and in the meantime you can assess whether you truly need the console to get the games you want.

Note, this doesn't take into account any plans you may or not have to go Blu Ray. I personally have no plans to ever again buy into a media-delivered format, but that's mostly due my viewing habits no longer include big home theaters and shit. I don't have the lifestyle for it these days and by the time my kids are old enough where I start caring again, the paradigm will have shifted again I'll have FiOS into my house anyway.

[UnSub]

Personally, I don't ever buy a console for the games it will have, I buy it for the games it has.

Xbox 360 > PS3 in this regard.

[Azazel]

Personally, I don't ever buy a console for the games it will have, I buy it for the games it has.

Xbox 360 > PS3 in this regard.

Heh, I remember reading a droolworthy list of upcoming titles the 3DO was getting, back on USenet in the old days. Not many of them ever saw light. Sony > The 3DO Company of course, but Now > "Upcoming".

[murdoc]

I will also toss out the idea that you don't want a plasma.  They are susceptible to burn while a LCD is not.  Beyond that, the best TV-choosing advice I can give is to look at it in person before you buy it.

The new plasmas don't really suffer the burnin issues that they used to. Having said that, the majority of R&D is going into LCD right now. Also, how bright of a room and the reflections in it can influence your decision for purchasing. Generally speaking, LCDs do better in brighter rooms due to not have a reflective surface. Though, some of the newer LCDs like the Samsung 8 and 9 series have amazing black levels, but are now quite a bit more reflective than the previous generation of LCDs.

If you're more interested in current games than potential games, then the 360 is the best bet imo. If you want a blu-ray player that plays games, get a PS3. If you get the PS3, definitely get a 1080p TV.

[apocrypha]

Wow, many thanks for all the replies folks, very grateful.

I've spent some time since posting looking at the exclusives for each platform and the PS3 edges out the 360 for me. Pretty much the only 360 title I'd miss would be Mass Effect but I think LBP, MGS and Disgaea 3 outweigh that considerably. Most of the games I'd go for at first aren't exclusive to either platform anyway.

Combine that with the BluRay drive and I'm 99% certain that PS3 is the route I'll go. Backwards compatibility isn't a huge issue for me either way. I've got like, 5 Xbox games that I never really wowed on and don't know enough about PS1/2 titles to make me yearn for any of them. The only thing making me hesitate slightly is the rumour of possible large price reductions on the PS3 in the spring, but I can't wait that long, I'm going batshitfuckingmental right fucking now for some entertainment!

So, I think I'll spend most of today reading about HDTVs. Our current TV is a 32" and the space where a TV has to go won't fit anything bigger than about 46" (at a guess, I'll have to check exact dimensions of anything before buying). A quick look at some review sites is leading me gently towards the Samsung & Sony 40"-42" LCD kind of range and from what y'all have said here that would suit us nicely. Our living room is pretty small and viewing angle isn't an issue - the room just ain't big enough to sit anywhere except right infront of something that size 

Ahh I'm all excited now, my gf and I decided between us lastnight that yes, we could spend this money, so now it's just a question of researching the specifics.

Thanks everyone, super helpful bunch you all are 

[Azazel]

And as a wonderful postscript, my 360 just got a general hardware failure (1 red light) while I was looking at the demo of Civ Revo and has to be sent back to MS for repair. Yay!   

Maybe I'll buy a PS3 while the 360 is gone. :p

Or I could play some of these damned PC games, I guess.

[schild]

Odd, because the 360 IS a general hardware failure.

[Azazel]

How many 360 games do you have again, Schild?